[ozsnowman]

Hmmm rather than rely on my failing mind, I got a decibel meter app for my iphone I'm going to measure the same spot of road over 2 nights - before and after new tyres

Hows that for dedication lol

[Dazzler]

Looking forward to "hearing" the results...

[donc]

Does it also have a wav editor? - would be interested in seeing (hearing) the difference in frequency as well as in volume (DB) - a low rumble at a certain volume can be quite carming, whereas a high pitched squeal at the same volume, quite annoying.

I don't mind the sound of the i30 (petrol engine) as its mostly very quiet, but the noise from the OEM tyres is a bit disconcerting on a long trip. Looking forward to getting some Bridgestone's fitted.

[snowcherry]

interesting topic. road noise is one of the factors on my list to look at. reviews seem to indicate the i30 had lower noise than the ford focus and the mazda 3 (?? i think from memory)
both the focus and mazda have been updated since and for the mazda at least they've improved on that (from what i've read not driven myself)

i get a lot of road noise with the festiva especially on our crap highways - i tend to put my music up a wee bit too loud to comepensate. not too sure how i feel about the OEM tyres not being the best, will have to find out for myself yet (will be better than the festiva i'm sure)

[ozsnowman]

Ok, got the Michelins fitted to the front tyre at Bob Jane today, and tested the noise level at same place at 90km/h same as last time....here are the before and after shots!

Before:

After:


To be honest I didn't trust my ears enough to make an observation, so i cant offer any opinion there yet. Same with the handling - brand new tyres fully inflated....I'll wait a week or so before offering any opinion about that. Going to work Monday morning will show up a particular spot. Only factor that i couldnt control was passing traffic, but out here in the sticks there is very little anyway!

[Dazzler]

Thanks M8.. interesting.. sounds like there may not be a huge difference (but still having the originals on the back would muddy the waters somewhat..)

[ozsnowman]

Thanks M8.. interesting.. sounds like there may not be a huge difference (but still having the originals on the back would muddy the waters somewhat..)

Agreed Dazz. I got a free wheel alignment at 5,000km from Bob Jane with the new tyres, so I might try and make the rears last until then, and save another wheel alignment So i won't have those final figures until then

Although I suppose 2 decibels is a fair drop, given that 60db is considered as normal conversation level, another 2 or so from the rears will lower the noise some more

[Dazzler]

Yeah think at the price you paid you got a bargain.. well done 

[2i30s]

Ive noticed the cw has almost half the road noise of my hatch.

[Dazzler]

Ive noticed the cw has almost half the road noise of my hatch.

 

That is interesting.. wonder if the fixed back seat squab has anything to do with it.

[2i30s]

it could have more sound proofing or its because its only got 15"x6" tyres and mine are17"x8"